American Airlines Lowering Elite Status Requirements
In order to drive up interest in travel again, some of the biggest airlines and hotel chains have been putting out interesting promotions and sales for their customers. Major airlines have also introduced some changes to their loyalty programs making it easier for passengers to earn and retain their elite status. We already saw American Airlines lower elite status requirements. Now, American Airlines announced changes to AAdvantage Platinum Pro benefits. They also announced a very interesting change - the launch of Elite Choice Rewards for Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum members.
American’s AAdvantage Introduces Elite Choice Rewards
American Airlines announced new Elite Choice Rewards for Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum members that will start in 2021. What this means is that members who qualify for Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum elite status will earn the ability to choose their rewards. Platinum Pro members will be given an option to choose one reward, while Executive Platinum members can choose two.
Rick Elieson, President of the AAdvantage program said in an official statement:
Our Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum members spend almost as much time in the air as they do on the ground. We’re extremely grateful American is their airline of choice and providing more flexibility with elite choice rewards is another way we’re showing our appreciation for the time they spend with us.
Platinum Pro members can select one of the following rewards:
-1 system-wide upgrade
-20,000 AAdvantage bonus miles. Also, as a bonus AAdvantage credit card members will receive an additional 5,000 bonus miles
-6 Admirals Club One-Day Passes
-$200 American Airlines flight discount
-Carbon emissions offset
-$200 donation to your choice of one of 10 partner charities
-One-time 15% off award discount
Executive Platinum can select two of the following rewards:
-2 systemwide upgrades
-20,000 AAdvantage bonus miles. Also, like Platinum Pro members, AAdvantage credit card members will receive an additional 5,000 bonus miles
-Admirals Club individual membership. However, this option will require both of your choices
-$200 American Airlines flight discount
-Carbon emissions offset
-$200 donation to your choice of one of 10 partner charities
-10,000 bonus EQMs
-Gift of AAdvantage Gold status
-Choice of Bang & Olufsen products, which includes headphones, portable speaker, or earbuds
Changes to Platinum Pro Status
American Airlines also announced an additional benefit for Platinum Pro members. Platinum Pro members will be upgraded from oneworld Sapphire to oneworld Emerald status in early 2021. With this change, Platinum Pro members will enjoy some extra benefits which include first-class priority check-in, first and business partner lounge access, additional bag allowance, and more. You can see all the details here!